On January 28, 2003, a Cessna 172F (registration N5602R) was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonville, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine seizure resulted from an oil filter failure due to over-pressurization, which caused the oil seal to unseat. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot performing a morning traffic report experienced a drop in engine RPM and smoke before the engine seized. The forced landing in a grass field resulted in a 180-degree turn and nose-over. Examination identified oil filter failure due to over-pressurization as the cause.
Accident Details
The flight was conducting a morning traffic report and maneuvering to cover a traffic accident when the pilot observed the engine RPM decrease from 2200 to 1500. Shortly thereafter, smoke emerged from the cowling and the engine seized. The pilot executed a forced landing in a short grass field near a residential area, approximately 4 miles west of the departure airport. At touchdown, the pilot turned the airplane about 180 degrees, and the aircraft nosed over.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed that the engine had seized. The oil seal was found unseated at the mating surface between the oil filter and the housing. Specifically, the Champion Oil Filter, part number CH48109, had failed due to over-pressurization. This failure led to the loss of oil pressure and subsequent engine seizure.
Probable cause
The engine seizure resulted from an oil filter failure due to over-pressurization, which caused the oil seal to unseat.
What happened in the 28 Jan 2003 Cessna 172F accident near Jacksonville, FL?
A pilot performing a morning traffic report experienced a drop in engine RPM and smoke before the engine seized. The forced landing in a grass field resulted in a 180-degree turn and nose-over. Examination identified oil filter failure due to over-pressurization as the cause.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jan 2003 Cessna 172F accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Jan 2003 involved a Cessna 172F, registration N5602R, at Jacksonville, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine seizure resulted from an oil filter failure due to over-pressurization, which caused the oil seal to unseat.
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